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Featured Image Credit: Alamy/ESPN
Topics: Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Manchester United, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Manchester United, Football
Frenkie de Jong says he prefers to stay at Barcelona in a blow to Erik ten Hag's Manchester United rebuild.
Ten Hag has identified De Jong as a key transfer target ahead of next season.
They enjoyed great success together at Ajax before the star midfielder moved on and signed for Barcelona.
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The new Man United boss had hoped to lure him to Old Trafford, but it seems the player has turned down the advances of his former manager.
De Jong, who's on international duty with the Netherlands ahead of their Nations League matches, told ESPN: "I prefer to stay with Barcelona."
The 25-year-old has enjoyed three seasons in Spain and called the Camp Nou outfit his 'dream club'.
He added: "Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too.
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"I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice."
De Jong, however, is well aware of the Man United links and was asked whether he has spoken to Ten Hag over a summer move.
"What I'm saying, there is absolutely nothing of an agreement or anything official. At the moment there is no question of it at all," he said.
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"Not that I know of in any case. Or they must not have told me, but I don't think so."
De Jong is thought to be valued at €75 million (£64 million) and has set his sights on playing in the Champions League next season.
Of course, the Red Devils can't offer premier European club football having failed to qualify this season as they slumped to a sixth-place finish.
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It appears Ten Hag will have to look elsewhere if he wants to land a big-name midfielder this summer.